In his address Cobb insists that the slavery question, the central issue influencing the pending secession of the South, was not answered by the recent presidential election: "But gentlemen say they cannot do anything. They say that the edict went...

In the letter Clay discusses Creek Indians who have escaped from removal camps and are hiding in their old territory: "It is...impossible to ascertain satisfactorily how many of these deluded savages, are still lurking within our limits, but I am...

In the letter Browne discusses his travels through the South, describes the economic opportunities and prices of goods in Alabama, and asks about eligible young ladies at home. He wonders why women are reluctant to move south: "Alabama is a great...

In the letter Martin comments on Dellet's rebuke of John Quincy Adams over his recent speech to African American citizens in Pittsburgh: "His expressed wish that the day of blood and carnage might come upon the South by a servile war is I think...

The first item is a letter from Senator Buford, in which he discusses sectional division over the issues of territorial expansion and slavery; he suggests a convention of the Southern states to address the "impending results of the northern...

In the letter King discusses his business and the settlement of his father's estate, and he gives his views on the activities of the "fire eaters": "I addressed the people at Cahawba last week, and I think I succeeded in opening the eyes of many...

The introduction briefly discusses the terms of the "compromise bills" and encourages support for the decisions of the federal government: "There appears no objection from any Southern man to the Fugitive Slave Bill. After the Wilmot Proviso has...

In the letter King sends news of family and friends, and he discusses the unsuccessful attempts of the "fire eaters," who encouraged the secession of the Southern states: "I have as yet been no where & consequently know nothing of the movements of...

In his speech Kossuth discusses the struggles that his native Hungary has endured and praises the United States for its example in promoting state sovereignty over government centralization: "With self-government is freedom, and with freedom is...

In the letter Samford discusses his views on the proposed Kansas-Nebraska Act: "I see our North. friends are not slow to come up to the issue of non-intervention as made by the Kansas Act; but are we quite cautious enough about the Squatter...

Sampson discusses the amount due to the slaves' owner and mentions two checks that have been sent from the Southern Bank of Alabama. Though no one is specifically addressed in the message, one of the checks was made out to E. E. Haywood.

In the letter Dent discusses the formation of volunteer militia companies in Alabama before the start of the Civil War: "I am glad to hear that you are expecting to do something for volunteer companies...I think it is what Alabama and every...

In the statement the delegates list the main points of the Alabama Platform, which had been rejected by the convention, and then formally withdraw from the gathering: "The points of difference between the Northern and Southern Democracy are: 1st....

In the letter John writes about his health, family members and acquaintances, and an upcoming fair. He also discusses politics in detail, including the presidential election of 1860: "I have just been reading Yancey's great New York speech. I think...

In the letter John discusses the tense political climate across the country, the possibility of secession, and the necessity of fighting: "I heard to day [sic] that the latest telegraphic news was that Gov. Wise had been assassinated, Cobb had been...

In the letter Larey says he is doing well and that all of his efforts "have been crowned with success." He talks about the political climate and adds that "Alabama is firm and decided. Will follow South Carolina in the glorious cause of Southern...

From May 1861 to early 1862 Bolling Hall, Jr., served in the 6th Alabama Infantry. In the letter he describes a recent battle ("one of the most complete victories ever gained"), which took place on a Sunday: "It was certainly an eventful day. The...

In the letter Campbell expresses his willingness to serve the state if it should secede, though he would prefer a reconciliation without secession: "I am quite at the service of the State in any place in which my services might be needed to secure...

In the letter Bolling discusses his studies at the university; criticism of his father's vote in the Electoral College during the recent presidential election; "troubles in Autaugaville & Prattville among the negroes"; disagreements among Southern...

This article discusses the likeliness that Alabama will secede from the Union: "A large majority of the members of our Convention will not hesitate a moment to co-operate with South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi in the formation of a Southern...

Letter from L. W. Garrott and Robert H. Smith of Alabama, to the governor and legislature of North Carolina. Garrott and Smith explain that because of the recent election of a Republican president, the governor of Alabama has called for a...

In the letter Powell mentions the weather and mutual acquaintances, and he discusses the ongoing secession of Southern states: "The people in this part of the state are becomeing [sic] very restless about the state not seceding. Secession appears...

This article offers a defense of Southern secession and blames the Lincoln and the North for starting the war: "We have asked but our rights. We simply desired to be left alone, to conduct our own government free from abolition meddlesomeness....

In the letter Charlie describes his voyage home to Portland, Alabama, probably after visiting his family in Connecticut. He discusses seasickness; a whale spotted while sailing along the coast of South Carolina; the flag over Fort Sumter "which we...

Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in response to the secession of seven Southern states. He calls for 75,000 men from state militias to deal with the rebellious states, which are "too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course...

In the letter she discusses money that has been sent to Edward to buy clothes; unreliable mail delivery; the difficulty of traveling between the North and South; and her husband's new retail firm. She makes predictions about the outcome of the...

This article responds to rumors that the Confederate capital will be moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia. The author argues that no change should be made because Montgomery is a central location with access to river and railroads;...

In the letter Mitchell sends news of relatives; discusses the climate and crops in Texas; and mentions the local volunteer companies who have left for war: "our county has sent two hundred men to Virginia and have two companies, one of Artilery...

In the letter Clay recommends Michael Leonard Woods for a promotion to the rank of major. Clay describes Wood as "a gentleman of high standing, strong family connections and easy fortune" and notes that he is "a thorough Southern Rights man and an...

In the letter Lapsley mentions a European gun maker in Selma ("one of the most skillful gun makers I doubt not, in the Confederate states"), who would be willing to oversee an armory if the Confederate government were to establish one in the city....

In the note Salomon asks Josiah Moris in Montgomery, Alabama, to deliver the enclosed letter to Colin J. McRae. In the letter to McRae, Salomon sends news about political activities in the North, and encourages the South to stand firm and fight for...

In the letter McRae encourages the president to establish an armory at Selma, a proposal he had unsuccessfully made to the Confederate government before: "I therefore take the liberty of again addressing you on the subject and to urge the absolute...

The brief message informs Hall that "Your son has gone home." This refers to Crenshaw Hall who was discharged from the 6th Alabama Infantry on May 6. It was sent through the Southern Telegraph Company, "The only direct Line to all Places of...

The brief message discusses some financial matter: "They can be sold at about ninety seven & a half." It was sent through the Southern Telegraph Company, "The only direct Line to all Places of importance in the Confederacy, and connecting with...

At the start of the Civil War, Dent was a 1st lieutenant of the Eufaula Rifles, which became Company B of the 1st Alabama Infantry; he was eventually promoted to captain and commanded Dent's Battery (formerly Robertson's Battery). In the letter...

During the Civil War, James Hall served as a captain in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the message James announces a brief visit: "We leave for Montgomery this evening will stop there a few hours." It was sent through the...

In the letter Smith describes English sentiment toward the Civil War: "By a chance I had an opportunity to learn the silent feelings of all the most intelligent gentlemen were with the South before the Manassas Battle: and here the Southern cause...

During the Civil War, Danielly was a member of the 14th Alabama Infantry, Company K. In this letter he reports that health "is very good except cold," and he writes that he has "not been on the sick list a day since the first of Sept.": "I hope I...

From November 1863 through the end of the Civil War, John Hall served in Co. B, 59th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses recent troop movements; conditions and weather in camp; the political climate of the local community ("To my...

Tichenor describes the postwar situation for the freed slaves from a paternalistic viewpoint: "Four millions of human beings, under the influence of a misguided philanthropy, have been rendered destitute of homes, protection, and comfort, and have...

Brief report of Jefferson Davis's response to the death of President Lincoln: "Mr. Davis said that he deplored the event, and trusted that an investigation would prove that no Southern man had any connection with it." Originally published in the...

In the letter Samuel expresses relief that his brother is safe and healthy after his service in the Confederate Navy. He then discusses his own changing views of "our civil war": "My own course has been a neutral one. I was opposed to the secession...

The Commissioners of Claims, also known as the Southern Claims Commission, was created to address claims for personal property loss made by citizens in Southern states after the Civil War. This option was only available to those who had remained...

Mary S. Pond taught freed slaves in Selma, Alabama, possibly as a teacher with the American Missionary Association. In this letter to her friend she comments on her loneliness; her low salary and difficult teaching situation; and her general...

Leaflet addressed to Democrats in Dallas County, Alabama, urging them to vote for the "good and true men" of the party, who will not resort to illegal methods to gain political power: "They will tell you, that when bad men are elected to office,...

From the introduction by T. Thomas Fortune: "Mr. Washington still lives; and to-day the South possesses no voice stronger than his,--that is teaching Christian love and sympathy and national unity with like power and success...one of the strongest...

In the interview Washington argues that the Georgia legislature should not to pass a bill that would unfairly disenfranchise African Americans while allowing similarly unqualified white men to vote: "...the southern states owe it to themselves not...

This article criticizes an "immigration scheme" designed to attract African American citizens to a city in the midwestern United States, where "everything will be in the hands of the negro" (including city management, industry, and education). The...

In the letter Washington discusses a proposed industrial exposition, referring to several relevant items that were originally enclosed with the correspondence. He does not give specific details about the "movement," but he does state that "I should...